BBL 2019-20: Melbourne Stars rope in Haris Rauf as Dale Steyn's replacement

Big Bash League (BBL) outfit Melbourne Stars have roped in Pakistan’s bowling sensation Haris Rauf as an international replacement player for South African legend Dale Steyn. The Proteas star is currently nursing a side strain and will miss the Melbourne-based team’s opening game of the season against Brisbane Heat.

Haris Rauf has still not played international cricket but is already a known name in cricketing circles due to his exploits in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He was spotted by Lahore Qalandars through their talent-hunt programme and did not disappoint the team. His 4/20 against Karachi Kings which earned him the Man of the Match award last season made him an overnight sensation.

His speed and aggression caught everyone’s attention. The highly-rated pacer was one of the few positives for the Qalandars as they had a dismal outing last season. He played all ten of Lahore’s games, picking up 11 wickets and keeping his economy rate under 7.5. The way Haris Rauf has performed in the PSL, it is just a matter of time before he breaks into Pakistan team.

The uncapped player will be looking to continue the same form in Big Bash League. On the pacer friendly wickets of Australia, he could be really menacing with his pace. A good performance in Australia will surely brighten up his chances of making it to the Pakistan team.

Introducing the newest addition to the stars family! 😍#WeWillShine 💚 pic.twitter.com/2xiZ9dxGFf

— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) December 19, 2019

Update on Dale Steyn

The Stars also released a statement on the fitness status of Steyn. Tommy Simsek, the physiotherapist of the team, said that the team is keen to give Steyn some much-needed rest. He also said he is hopeful of Steyn’s participation in the next game.

“Our priority is Dale’s fitness and continuing his treatment. He is very keen to play but we’ll let him rest after a long flight to Australia and put him in the best position to be ready for our match in Moe on Sunday,”  Simsek said.

Melbourne Stars squad

Glenn Maxwell (c), Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ben Dunk, Pete Handscomb, Clint Hinchliffe, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Haris Rauf, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa

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